A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A multi-vintage sparkling wine, made in the ‘Méthode Traditionnelle’ and hand-corked! I found the bottle really quite tricky to open, with a long, tight-fitting cork. 60% Pinot Noir and 40% …
Matahiwi ‘M’ Methode Traditionnelle NV Read More
A white blend of Chardonnay and Riesling from Nelson, sealed under cork and wax. A pale golden colour in the glass, with both a ‘funky’ and a ‘regular’ side to …
Brood Fermentation ‘Pollen’ 2022 Read More
From the excellent 2020 vintage, this is a blend of 58 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 42 percent Merlot, grown in the Gimblett Gravels sub-district of Hawke’s Bay. A bright but …
Saint Clair ‘Origin’ Cabernet Merlot 2020 Read More
A year on, almost to the day, of our last evening tasting Bordeaux-only wines… travelling on that occasion to the other side of the Gironde – our small group of …
An evening on the Left Bank Read More
A Martinborough Pinot Noir from this well-regarded producer, in a vintage generally described as ‘above average’ but not a classic. A medium-density burgundy colour in the glass, with a slight …
Kusuda Pinot Noir 2011 Read More
Stonecroft, in the Gimblett Gravels, Hawke’s Bay, have the oldest Zinfandel vines in New Zealand – although even here there are just a few rows at the Roy’s Hill Vineyard. …
Stonecroft Zinfandel 2022 Read More
Sealed under cork (and wax seal), this is the top tier of white wines at this Te Awanga vineyard in Hawke’s Bay. A vibrant golden-straw, with flashes of green at …
Clearview Endeavour Chardonnay 2018 Read More
A Pinot Noir from Nelson, using whole bunch and some carbonic maceration in the making. A translucently light but bright garnet red colour in the glass. A sous-bois, earth, spice …
Luta Shadow Pinot Noir 2021 Read More
This is the fourth box of Chardonnay that Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers have put together, since the concept began with the 2019 vintage. Hawke’s Bay Wine had this to say about …
Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Collection 2022 Read More
A wine from Gibbston Valley in a year of which owner Grant Taylor said “Our 25th vintage in Gibbston delivered idyllic conditions”. A dense rose-red-burgundy colour in the glass. The …
Valli 25th Anniversary Pinot Noir 2022 Read More